er might be considered as in a fair way of being
satisfactorily concluded.

Sonnenkamp looked about him when he had read the words. Now he had it
in his grasp, and he would throw it from him. There would be more
greatness, more satisfaction, in that than accepting it. But then what
would become of Frau Ceres, Manna, and Roland? How could he draw back?
For a moment the thought passed through his mind that he would sell all
his property here and remove to Switzerland, France, or Italy. But he
imagined the longing he would feel to be back here again; he felt that
the social position and consideration to which he had grown accustomed
here, had become a necessity to him. He walked among the trees which he
had planted, which he had trained and cared for, and felt that they had
grown to be a part of himself; he looked towards the Rhine, and was
conscious of that magic power of attraction which takes possession of
every one who has once made his home beside it.

Forward! he cried to himself. The ball has been set rolling and must
reach its goal!

He read the letter again, and perceived that the Jewish banker had
applied for a title at the same time with himself, but, strange to say,
had withdrawn his name. The letter also said that an expression of
opinion from Herr Weidmann was expected, and as it was not sure how he
would view the case, it would be desirable for Herr Sonnenkamp to
cultivate a closer acquaintance with him.

Another point in the letter gave Sonnenkamp cause for wonder; the
Cabinetsrath, with many charges of secresy, wrote that the opinion of
Count Wolfsgarten had been most plainly spoken, but that a remark of
his had decided the case in Herr Sonnenkamp's favor.

Here were too many riddles. Sonnenkamp resolved to do nothing for the
present. He had been kept waiting so long that others might as well
take their turn at it.

The Doctor came and reviewed the family. He thought that all had been
benefited by the Baths, but that Herr Sonnenkamp was still feeling too
much the exciting effects of the life there.

The Doctor had felt the pulse of each one, and reviewed them all, but
that did not tell him the changes that had taken place in their souls.

Frau Ceres was as tired and bored as ever, and thought it terrible to
come back to having nothing to hear of but the beauties of nature.

Manna could hardly believe that she had been through so much noise and
excitement.

The most opposite effects, however, ha